Barbara Lefdal

Barbara Lefdal is a licensed professional counselor with a focus on helping people through major life changes. She holds an LPC-MH and brings thirty years of clinical experience in South Dakota. Her work often addresses depression, anxiety, grief, and the stress that comes with big transitions.

She commonly helps people facing caregiver strain, aging-related concerns, and feelings of isolation or loneliness. Barbara also works with those dealing with guilt, shame, codependency, and communication problems. Divorce and separation is listed among her focus areas for people coping with relationship endings.

Barbara uses a mix of approaches tailored to each person’s needs. She draws on client-centered methods to build a respectful, listening relationship. Cognitive behavioral strategies and mindfulness practices are used to shape day-to-day coping skills.

Her style is down-to-earth and collaborative. Sessions aim to clarify problems, set manageable goals, and practice small changes that add up. People who have been through loss, long caregiving stretches, or major life shifts often seek her steady perspective.

Over her career she has also worked with issues such as post-traumatic stress, mood disorders, and multicultural concerns. Those interested in working with Barbara are asked to follow the site’s process to start, complete a short questionnaire, and schedule their first meeting according to availability.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on genuine listening and understanding. The therapist creates a space where people can talk about what matters most and feel heard, which helps with loneliness, grief, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches practical tools to change unhelpful thinking and to try small behavior changes that reduce anxiety or depression.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit best for their goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as needs shift.

Practical benefits of online therapy often include fitting sessions into a busy schedule and reducing travel time. Online work can make it easier to maintain continuity during life transitions. Because session formats were not specified in the biography, confirm the available options before booking to know how sessions are scheduled and delivered.